HUNTER'S DAY: TRANSITIONS TO DAWN by Sammi M. sammi4@earthlink.net
Well, here's the second part of the morning series. I guess this would be the time to explain the whole thing with the title. The whole series is called Hunter's Day because it will follow her life with Mulder, Scully and all the rest, from her childhood (morning), to her adolescence (afternoon) and into her young adulhood (evening). There will be three stories under each time period and each story will have a word or phrase representative of the time of day, i.e. To Laugh at Sunrise, Transitions to Dawn, Arrival at Daybreak. The reason I'm not doing a night group is because I don't want to make Scully or Mulder too old.
If you've been following the Holiday series, the October-March holidays happen after Transitions but before Arrival.
I have included a little contest within this story. There is a code somewhere in here that has some special meaning to the X-Files. Be the first one to find it and tell me what it is, and you'll be in one of the Hunter stories in a special scene written to highlight you.
Classification: SA Rating: PG Summary: An old enemy with ties to old friends decides to resurface and cause all sorts of problems for the people she believes did her wrong. In the meantime, Mulder has to deal with all of the rigamarole with Hunter's adoption.
Disclaimer: A lot of the characters in this belong to C.C., F.B. and to T.T. I don't want your characters; I just thought they were hanging out in the basement too much and needed a little play-time. They'll still be yours after I'm finished.
Hunter's Day: Transitions to Dawn by Sammi M.
Teaser: 9:59 pm Tuesday An abandoned warehouse
A medium-height woman dressed in a severely-cut, tailored mini-suit with red hair and electric blue eyes walks over to a man waiting with a briefcase. The man seems nervous as he watches her come closer. Neither smiles or acknowledges the other.
WOMAN: (Stopping directly in front of him) Nice to see a man who doesn't leave a woman waiting. (Nodding at the briefcase) *And* believes in bringing her gifts.
MAN: We aim to please. (Laying the case on a table and opening it) I thought you might want to check out the quality of my present.
WOMAN: Of course.
She quietly moves to the case and looks at the various vials and holders neatly packed inside. She reaches for a small wallet and pulls it out.
MAN: (Grinning) I hope everything meets with your approval. (Leering) It was a good thing you got that picture to my people or we wouldn't have been able to get that out to you in time.
WOMAN: (Reading the ID) Katherine Weeg, hmm? (Smiling) I like the K but I would have preferred the more exotic spelling. (Coyly) I'm really into the exotic, especially after my last milquetoast identity.
MAN: Funny. (Moving closer to her) I can't picture you as anything but exciting.
WOMAN: (Beeming as she brings a red-covered fingernail down the side of his face) That's what I tried to tell them, but they felt that I had to seem a certain way to get the job done. (Pressing her blood-red lips to his cheek) Do you honestly believe, looking at me, that I'm a hausfrau with an eight year old brat?
MAN: (Taking quick breaths) Not in this lifetime. (Sniffing her neck) So, do you have my payment?
WOMAN: Of course. Do you honestly think I would come here without it? (Kissing him passionately) I know exactly what you need.
They kiss even more wildly until a muffled sound is heard followed by another. The man steps away as if in shock and looks down at himself. Blood is slowly covering the front of his chest and two gaping wounds can be seen.
MAN: (Looking back at the woman and gasping) You, .... bitch ....
He tries to grab her, but she easily steps away. As the man collapses, the woman grants him a knowing smile and casually steps over him to retrieve the briefcase before turning to leave.
WOMAN: (Walking out the door) I guess I forgot to mention how much I just love a man who absolutely *falls* for me.
8:16 am Wednesday The hallway outside of Apartment 42 Arlington, Va
Special Agents Mulder and Scully are exiting the elevator with several pieces of luggage between them and dressed in parkas and other assorted outdoor gear.
SCULLY: (Rolling her eyes as they stop outside the door) I still can't believe you asked her and her sister out.
MULDER: (Sheepishly) Come on, Scully. (Pausing to think) Haven't you ever fantasized about asking twin witches to Beltain festivities?
SCULLY: (Cattily) Not even slightly. (Watching him fumble for his card key and glancing up at the ornate script announcing his apartment) It still boggles my mind how you were able to find an apartment with the same numbers as your old one. (Curious) Weren't you up to learning new numbers?
MULDER: (Seriously) How could I when this one is the answer to life, the universe and everything? (Grinning when he finds the card and swipes it through the reader) Besides, I didn't think it was fair to the kid to make *her* learn new ones.
SCULLY: Yeah, like that on top of learning the new street and city and zip code would have sent her over the edge. (Sighing) Is it going to take you the rest of the day to get that door open?
MULDER: (Grumpily) Iım just trying to remember my access code. (Punching the numbers 43262 into the keypad and hearing the door unlock) Aha! (Gesturing for Scully to enter) Welcome back to my humble abode.
They enter a nice entryway that branches off into three areas. As they move into the area directly ahead of them, a young African American woman looks up from where she sits on the sofa.
YOUNG WOMAN: (Smiling) I thought I heard you guys out front. (Standing and taking some of the bags) I would have let you in, but I remembered Mulder and how paranoid he is, (Smirking) especially where Hunter's concerned.
SCULLY: (Chuckling) I'm still surprised he let you watch her without a full stakeout crew. (Cattily) I'm sure he had both of your backgrounds checked all the way to the prenatal stage before he allowed you to even step foot inside "La Fortress."
MULDER: Ha, ha. I'm really not that bad. (Sighing) I only checked back to your kindergarten days. (Looking around) So, Sammi, where are Monica and the kid?
MONICA HARVEY: (Entering with an apron tied around her slight figure) *I'm* right behind you; the kid's up on the roof doing her exercises with Trini and Michella. (Moving in front of them) We all thought it would be better if she didn't have too many nice things around when they got into the heavy-duty stuff. (Throwing a knowing look) You know how she is.
MULDER: Good thinking. (Glancing at the apartment) Well then, what do you think of the place?
SAMMI MOCH: (Snorting as she returns to her seat) Considering the dump you left, this is paradise only with stricter entrance procedures. (Picking up a magazine) If I hadn't seen your apartment after the "cleaning people" had finished with it, all of this security would have made me seriously consider you a definite contender for Bellevue.
SCULLY: (Sitting next to her) We already tried that and even they wouldn't take him. (Pointing to the laptop on the coffee table) How goes the writing?
SAMMI: I am in the worst writing slump of my whole, incredibly short life. My publishers are pitching a fit and calling every couple of days demanding pages. (Pointing to the other girl) And my wonderful roommate hasn't let me forget it.
MONICA: (Innocently) Who, me? (Shrugging) Can I help it if her slump didn't happen until she wrote my character out of the damn thing? (Turning back to the kitchen) I tried to warn her not to, but she didn't listen. Now she's paying for it. (Stopping as she hears something at the door) I do believe our weary workers are back. (Turning to Mulder) I hope you're not wearing anything too flammable considering how the last few sessions have been going. (Wincing) We had to learn the hard way that when she gets pissed, she likes to play with fire.
MULDER: It's okay as long as she avoids the tie. (Watching as the door opens and speaking loudly) Whadya mean we left her presents in Seattle, Scully? (Laughing as she glares at him) I put you in charge of bringing them back. Hunter's not going to be too happy.
Scully stands, walks over to her partner and punches him in the arm as they wait for the small group to enter the living room. A nicely rounded Trini is first to greet them.
TRINI: (Walking over and embracing them) Welcome back. (Rolling her eyes) We missed you and you definitely missed all of the fireworks.
MULDER: It couldn't have been as bad as all of that. (Kissing her and patting her tummy) How are you and the next heir doing?
TRINI: I'm great; the future heir is okay and the present heir hasn't ticked me off too much in the past few days, so he's fine as well. (Looking back toward the entrance) As to the first comment, we've discovered your "little girl" has some pretty intense pyrokinetic abilities as well. (Smirking) Or haven't you noticed those are new drapes?
SAMMI: Don't forget the new equipment Dare dropped off. (Solemnly) Monica almost received second degree burns from trying to dump the charred remains.
MULDER: (Not listening as he watches for Hunter) How horrible. (Giving up the wait and heading to the foyer) Why is it taking so long ...
He stops as slowly a motorized whine fills the air and Hunter, in a wheelchair, moves into sight of the others.
HUNTER: (Looking extremely tired as she stops in front of him) God, Fox. What did you think could have happened between here and the front door? (Wrapping her arms around his neck as he unbuckles then lifts her) I know you've worried about me since you've been gone, but this is ridiculous. (Hugging him and smiling) What took you so long; you said you'd only be gone a few days.
SCULLY: (Walking up) *He* decided *we* needed to chase the supposed griffin to its nest.
HUNTER: Hi, Dana. (Hugging her from within his arms) Well, was it griffin?
MULDER: Nooo, ... but it was a mutated eagle/condor mix with a wingspan comparable to a griffin. (Shrugging) It was an easy mistake to make. (Placing her back in the chair and squatting to buckle her in) Now, what is this I hear about you starting fires?
HUNTER: They weren't that bad and I only did that while you were gone. (Looking at him out of the corner of her eye) I know how you feel about fire and I wouldn't think about venting my frustrations in that manner in front of you. (Testily) Speaking of frustrations, ... (Maneuvering the chair to face the foyer) You don't have to hide back there, Michella; I've calmed down enough.
Another young African American woman walks nervously into the room, eying Hunter the whole time.
MONICA: (Returning from the kitchen) Agents Mulder and Scully, I'd like you to meet sports medicine's greatest therapist, soon-to-be Dr. Michella Chappell. Michella, these are the ones we were telling you about; she's okay but he's really, really out there.
MICHELLA CHAPPELL: (Shaking his hand) So, you're the one with all of the weird plain-brown-wrapper packages, strange people coming and going at all hours of the night, and, most damning of all, soon-to-be legal father of Damiana.
MULDER: (Chuckling) Guilty. (Smiling his most charming smile) Don't tell me the Despotic Duo didn't warn you about my angel?
MONICA: (From the sofa) Oh, we warned her; we warned her and checked up on her medical coverage, but someone was looking forward to the challenge. (Smartly) Now, she's got to hope her eyebrows grow back in time for graduation.
HUNTER: They won't if she doesn't stop trying to make me into some type of human pretzel.
SCULLY: (Warningly) Hunter.
MULDER: (Trying to alleviate the tensions) Well, why don't I take you all out to dinner. There's this Thai place I've heard about and I've been dying to try it out.
TRINI: No can do, Mul. (Reaching to pick up her things) Mama-san is coming by the "palace" for our first family meal since we've been married and I still haven't had a chance to bribe all of the evening staff into recording her every move. (Hugging Scully and kissing Mulder) Enjoy yourselves and don't behave on my account. (Bending to hug Hunter) Don't forget to work on your mental and physical exercises and not to give the girls a hard time. (Looking her in the eye) If I even sense you're misbehaving, I will not hesitate in yanking your privileges. Is that understood? (Seeing her nod) Good girl. (Kissing the top of her head as she stands) I'll see all of you later.
MULDER: (Escorting her to the door) Tell Keemo to call me in a few days. (Closing the door after her and returning to the others) I guess that leaves the rest of us.
MONICA: Count us and the kid out. (Standing) Hunter and the manic writer have agreed to be my interviewees for part of my audition tape for the D.C. bureau of the network. She's going to spend the night with us and be back by lunch tomorrow. (Removing the apron) Don't worry about dinner because we already prepared it and it's just waiting for you to dish it out.
MULDER: (Dazed) Okay. (Snapping out of it) Wait. You can't take her back to your place; it's not wheelchair-accessible.
SAMMI: (Gathering their things and Hunter's) Looks like you're falling down on your investigative skills, G-Man. (Smugly) After you left, our parents pitched a fit about the lack of security in the building, *as if* you were keeping us all that safe, and sprung for us to move into a nicer place. (Looking around) It's not like this joint, but it's close and we don't have to fight vermin for control of the television.
HUNTER: Their place is cool. (Pleadingly) If I promise to be extra good, can I go?
MULDER: (Kneeling to her) But, we just got back and I was looking forward to spending some time with you.
HUNTER: (Using one of his patented looks) I know, but you'll have plenty of time afterwards and Monica really needs me. (Fixing his hair) You and Dana can talk about how you're going to write your report over dinner since we made enough for two. (Pausing) Please.
MULDER: All right. (Looking at the younger women) You promise you'll keep a good eye on her and if she even remotely looks ill, you'll bring her home.
MONICA: (Saluting) On our honour, we will try to do our duty to ... (Hitting his head as she passes him) Snap out of it! Of course we will; we've done this before, remember. (Tossing Hunter a lightweight jacket) Let's go, oh Mechanized One. (Heading out the door with the others) Ta!
SCULLY: (Seeing his look) She'll be fine. (Pulling him toward the kitchen) Let's eat. I'm starving and I'm dying to know what exactly you thought you were going to do with those sisters.
1:21 pm Thursday Apartment 42
Mulder, Scully and Hunter are sitting around talking.
HUNTER: Imagine my surprise when I saw you were still here this morning.
SCULLY: (Throwing a pillow at the girl) I don't know why. I've stayed over before. (Smiling) The only difference this time is that I had my own room instead of that dreadful couch.
MULDER: (Irked) That couch served me well in my old bachelor days and I won't tolerate either of you making nasty comments about it. (Looking at the child) Is your room clean?
HUNTER: Isn't it always. (Eying him warily) I thought we made a deal about the whole parent trip?
MULDER: We did, but I did reserve the right to enforce my influence in case of extreme emergency or maximum performance potential. (Checking his watch) According to the phone call I received earlier, a Ms. Sara Duncan will be arriving at 2 to evaluate our present situation in terms of my adoption petition which I do believe falls under the latter category.
HUNTER: (Eyes sparkling) If we pass, does that mean you're mine?
SCULLY: (Chuckling) I think it's the other way around, but, if you do pass, it does improve your chances. (Shaking her head) Though it is a little hard to picture Mulder with a kid. He can't keep his gun, so how can he expect to keep up with you.
MULDER: I think it's a completely different concept. (Sighing) Besides, I've kept up with you pretty well.
SCULLY: (Knowingly) So you think.
1:30 pm Thursday Office in Northern D.C.
It is almost the identical scene from the past only in a different office and without smoke filling the air. The woman from before turns and waits. Soon, noises can be heard outside the door right before two rather burly men enter with the Cigarette-Smoking Man between them. Once they've shown him to a seat, the woman nods and they leave.
WOMAN: (Smiling nastily) How good of you to come. (Moving closer to him) I was afraid you wouldn't take me up on my invitation.
C.S. MAN: Is that what you called my armed escort? (Raising an eyebrow) Gotten rather cocky in your elevated position, eh Agent McNeary?
WOMAN: (Chuckling) You better believe it. (Pausing) Along with my ... cockiness, I've also acquired a new life. (Sobering quickly) The name's Weeg: Katherine Weeg to be exact.
C.S. MAN: Unusual, but still slightly ... middle-American. (Taking out a cigarette and preparing to light it) Now that I've been a good boy and marvelled at your new face and identity, I do believe it's time I take my leave. Some of us do have more important things to do with our lives.
KATHERINE WEEG: (Slapping the cigarette out of his hands) Don't push me too hard, old man. (Calming as she walks behind the desk) I would think you'd want to spend as much time on this conversation considering how much your life will be impacted because of it.
C.S. MAN: Little girls making big threats don't scare me. (Coolly) If you have something to say, I'd suggest you say it and stop wasting my time.
KATHERINE: Fine. (Thinking before she looks at him) Aren't you even the least bit curious how I was able to avoid your little "surprise?"
C.S. MAN: For as much as I thought about it, I was curious.
KATHERINE: (Grinning) For a time, right before I dealt with the brat, I thought I was a valuable member of your team. I began to realize that wasn't the case when I confirmed the fulfillment of my mission and your only response was ... simple acceptance. (Pausing) You actually gave me the warning of what was coming. (At his look) Yes, you did. (Standing and steepling her fingers) Do you remember when you asked when I would be returning the good Patricia to her life? You seemed (Searching for the word) almost ... impatient for me to tell you my plans. (Walking around to him) After your earlier reaction, I became intrigued and told you my original plans. (Caressing his face) Always being one to think on her feet, I moved up my intentions and set the poor unfortunate agent on her unknowing way.
C.S. MAN: I wondered how she ended up there.
KATHERINE: (Shaking her head) You aren't even going to deny your part in this.
C.S. MAN: I gave the order. (Taking out another cigarette and lighting this one) I'm not afraid of admitting my job.
KATHERINE: That's good, since your admittance allows me to limit my vengeance to one person.
C.S. MAN: As I said before, I don't scare easily, little girl.
KATHERINE: No, but you do scare. (Knowingly as she changes tactics) Were you able to dispose of all the information in those files? (At his nod) Are you sure that was all of it?
C.S. MAN: What are you getting at?
KATHERINE: Not much, ... except I have contacts who could take that info and have it transmitted everywhere around the world within seconds. (Moving behind him and ruffling his hair) I doubt the alien reports would be all that revealing considering the times we live in, but I can think of any number of nations - all a part of this consortium of yours - who'd be quite interested in your outside activities.
C.S. MAN: (Voice slightly shaking) What exactly do you think you know?
KATHERINE: (Taking the cigarette and taking a drag) Enough. (Aiming the smoke at him) But, I won't use any of that unless you make me. (Taking another deep drag) No, my revenge is going to come at you when and where you least expect it. (Bending over him to whisper in his ear) Life is good, isn't it?
2:00 pm Thursday Apartment 42 Arlington, Va
Jonathon arrives with a middle-aged African American woman.
JONATHON: (Introducing each) Sara Duncan, I'd like you to meet Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully and the terror on wheels, Hunter Zachary. People, this is Ms. Sara Duncan, the best case worker and placement person in our service.
SARA DUNCAN: (Shaking their hands) He only says that because I make a mean Souvlaki and he's ruled by his stomach. (Smiling as she pauses) I've heard a lot about all of you.
HUNTER: (Rolling her eyes) In that case, our motto is, deny everything.
SARA: (Laughing) It hasn'ıt been all bad.
JONATHON: But you have to admit, it has been interesting. (Looking at his watch) Well, I have a supervisory meeting scheduled, so I'll take my leave. (To Mulder) She's tough, but fair; go easy on her. (To Scully) Grey sends his love and wants to meet with you next week to discuss the wedding. Call him to set a time. (To Sara) I'll be waiting for your initial report. (Turning to leave but remembering Hunter) Try not to scare her too much. (To all) Bye. (He leaves)
SARA: I wondered why he begged off on this case. (Looking at the trio) I hadn't realized you were so close.
MULDER: (Showing her to a seat) It does feel like I've known Jon forever. (Thinking) We met at a human rights march in D.C. I was assigned to after I graduated from Quantico. The march got ugly and some people started hurling rocks and glass. Some of the Positive Lifers were hit and I went and helped them.
HUNTER: Uncle Jon said he was really impressed that Fox was willing to help when so many others wouldn't. So, he struck up a conversation and they've been friends ever since.
SARA: (Chuckling) Obviously you've heard this story several times.
SCULLY: (Agreeing) Jon does like to tell it. (Taking a breath) Grey keeps hoping the subject won't come up at the wedding since it takes Jon nearly an hour to tell with details.
SARA: Are you helping with the wedding?
SCULLY: All helping; all in it. (Smiling) Hunter's a page; Mulder's Jon's best man and I'm Grey's best person. (Hearing a watch alarm) Time for your meds, Hunt. Do you need my help?
HUNTER: Not in this lifetime. (Testily) Since I've been switched to orals, I'm perfectly capable of swallowing a few pills on my own.
MULDER: She didn't say you weren't; she was just offering to help.
HUNTER: (Sighing) I know. (Chagrined) Sorry Dana. (Eyes twinkling) If I bring you a Scully Surprise, will all be forgiven?
SCULLY: (Smiling) Only if you go easy on the sherbet. (To Sara) Would you like one? (At the woman's puzzled look) It's just lime sherbet and ginger ale. (Pausing) If that's not your cup of tea, she can bring you something else.
SARA: No, thank you.
MULDER: Okay, Squirt. One Scully Surprise and one Mulder's Mania. (Explaining to Sara) Same thing just with a dollop of chocolate and strawberry sauce.
HUNTER: (Heading to the kitchen) And Uncle Jon told *me* not to scare her.
SARA: (Watching her leave) This seems as good a time as any to clear up any questions you and I might have. (Opening her briefcase) In order for your petition to be processed, I have to pay three home visits: an initial, a night one, and a surprise visit. During those visits, I might stay as long as twelve hours or as short as fifteen minutes depending on the situation. At those times, I will be observing and making note of even the most minute details that could affect a child living happily and healthily in this environment. Only if I deem it necessary will I tell you my observations. (Holding their gazes) I will only interfere in your daily routine if I feel that the child is in danger. Is that clear enough?
MULDER: Perfectly.
SARA: Good. (Writing some things in a little notebook) I noticed that Agent Scully mentioned Hunter was going to be in Jon's wedding. Is it wise to expose her to that aspect of the gay lifestyle?
MULDER: (Bristling) I have no problem with Grey and Jon's lifestyle and I plan on raising Hunter to respect their marriage in the same way as anyone else's.
SARA: But aren't you afraid you might come across as promoting homosexuality?
MULDER: Being tolerant can hardly be considered promotion. (Pausing) I will teach her to treat everyone the same no matter what their differences. (Taking a deep breath) Besides, I have more causes for concern than sexual orientation.
SARA: I see. (Looking at Scully) And what role are you playing in this scenario?
SCULLY: That of close friend and support system.
SARA: And do these positions include sleeping over?
SCULLY: (Putting her hand on Mulder's arm to stop him from losing his cool) It's okay. (Returning her attention to the woman) I have and will continue to stay over if necessary. Agent Mulder leased this apartment because it has three bedrooms. (Stressing the point) When I stay, my things and my person are in the guest room.
SARA: (Writing) That's good to hear. (Zeroing in on Mulder) Is it your intention to raise her culturally aware?
MULDER: I do intend to raise her aware and open-minded.
SARA: That wasn't what I meant. (Pausing) You are aware that Hunter's mother was of African descent? (At his nod) From everything I've gathered about their lives, Mr. and Mrs. Zachary were raising their daughter with both the African American and Judaic cultures and traditions in mind. (Pausing) What I was wanting to know was how you planned on furthering that knowledge?
MULDER: And I told you, I plan on continuing her learning process by introducing her to all types of cultures and traditions so that she will be accepting and aware of everyone around her.
SARA: So, I gather your plans don't include raising her with the specific knowledge of these groups?
MULDER: (Sighing) Though my background is Jewish, I am by no means an entrenched follower of our beliefs. (Shrugging) Nor would I assume to have an abundant awareness of the African American beliefs and customs. In all fairness, and I do want to be fair and honest, I don't think I would even presume to try and teach her something I really don't know very much about.
SARA: (Taking a deep breath) Thank you for your honesty, Agent Mulder. (Focusing on what she needs to say) Because you were open with me, I am going to be as open with you. (Pausing) I am a firm believer in minority children being raised in minority households, so that they can grow up seeing their role in todayıs society. I have run across very few incidents where this is not the case. (Giving him an intense look) I don't believe that this is an exception to what I have found.
MULDER: (Standing and glaring at the woman) That's a load of BS! (Raking his hair) What difference does it make what race we are as long as there is love and a nurturing spirit? (Including everything) You can't deny we have that here. (Starting to pace) Jon said you were fair. I guess he didn't realize you had made up your mind already.
SARA: (Also standing) Jon said I was good *and* fair. Knowing my job is what makes me both. (Sighing) You don't know how many times I've had to pick up the pieces of children's lives after they've found out that Mommy and Daddy and their love and acceptance weren't the norm. I have had to sit through heart-wrenching sessions where these children have spoken of not belonging to any group - having blood ties to one, but living in another and not accepted by either. (Sadly) And a few times, I've been required to close cases where a young person wasn't able to handle the dichotomy of this type of life and resorted to violence. (Calming down) When I said this didn't seem like an exception to my rule, I was offering you the chance to change my opinion. (Shrugging) It's all I can offer you; show me that you and Hunter belong together and I will move heaven and earth to see that you are. (Holding out her hand) Trust me; I only want what's best for both of you.
MULDER: (Eying her hand and slowly moving to shake it) We are what's best for each other. (Reluctantly grinning) And speaking of both of us, I wonder where my ... (Trailing off when he sees Hunter with the drinks in the doorway) Okay, Squirt, how much did you hear?
HUNTER: (Coming into the room and handing out the drinks) The normal way, about half. My way: everything. (Tilting her head) Trini's here. (The doorbell rings) I'll get it. (Heading to the door)
SARA: (Shaking her head) He tried to warn me about her "special gifts." (Shaken) Is she always like that?
SCULLY: (Chuckling) You should see her when she and Mulder are (Making the gesture) "talking." It still freaks me out to have them come out of one of their marathon mental discussions and have them expect me to pick right up on the conversation.
TRINI: (Walking in with Hunter) Just do like Keemo and shrug it off. (Seeing the other woman) Please excuse my forwardness, but in this house they don't bother with formalities because of lost time phenomena and all that.
MULDER: Sara Duncan, I'd like you to meet Dr. Trini Rosenthal-Antanaka, Hunter's therapist and counselor. Trini, this is Ms. Sara Duncan, our case advocate.
SARA: (Shaking hands) I've heard a lot about you as well.
TRINI: (Smiling and stage-whispering to Hunter) Remind me to kill Jon painfully and with heels.
HUNTER: (Giggling) Watch it, Trini. Knowing Uncle Jon, he'd probably enjoy that.
TRINI, MULDER AND SCULLY: (Shocked) Hunter!
SARA: (Shaking her head) I can tell right now this is going to be an interesting assignment.
8:45 pm Thursday Offices of the Lone Gunmen Location Unknown
Frohike and Langley are performing various activities while several monitors display the actions of a number of people.
FROHIKE: Do you have the surveillance tape of Gramm? I need to post it for the members before his big family-values forum.
LANGLEY: (Shrugging) Byers had it.
FROHIKE: Speaking of, when did he say he was coming in? And what exactly is he up to?
LANGLEY: All he said was he'd be in before nine and that he was bringing a surprise.
FROHIKE: (Suspiciously) A surprise? (Eying the other man) You don't think he's gone back?
LANGLEY: Are you kidding? After all he's seen and known about, there's about as much a chance of that as Newt finally admitting Candace is actually his love child.
BYERS: (Walking in) I have a few leads on who the real mother is as well.
FROHIKE: Well, it's about time. Where have you been and where is this surprise?
BYERS: All in good time, Frohike, all in good time. (Checking on a few things) How are things going?
LANGLEY: Pretty good. (Adjusting things) All of the bugs are working above expectation.
FROHIKE: Except, ...
BYERS: Except what?
LANGLEY: Except for the ones in Mulder's office. (Shrugging) I suspect since he periodically sweeps the joint for bugs, he found our babies and disengaged them.
BYERS: I suppose that's within his rights. (Playing with his beard) Just make sure he returns them. Those are some pretty sophisticated and expensive pieces of equipment and I really don't want everyone knowing they exist.
FROHIKE: (Startled) You don't think he swept Scully's place?
BYERS: You didn't?
FROHIKE: (Turning a high red) It was only a test run. She was too hot for me to resist. (Nearly cowering) I held off on the mini-cam, though.
A feminine giggle fills the room as all three pairs of eyes turn toward the door. As the point of view changes, the back of a woman dressed in a very sedate outfit can be seen.
LANGLEY: (Nervously as he sees the woman) Who's that?
BYERS: (Walking to the woman) This is my surprise.
FROHIKE: (Grinning) Byers, you old dog! (Shaking his head as he stands) I would have never thought you would get us a woman.
WOMAN: There is no way he could afford to pay anyone what they'd ask to be with you guys. (Walking further into the room) Not to mention the cost of getting all of the shots afterwards.
FROHIKE: (Confused) By that snide, yet incredibly tantalizing comment, I'd say you sound just like Jamie Byers, but the look is all wrong. (Turning to Byers) What gives?
BYERS: I think our guest is more adept at explaining.
WOMAN: Guest? (Shaking her head) I haven't been considered a guest since before I went off for college. (Holding out her hands) Come on guys. The face and hair may be a little different, but it's still the same old me.
LANGLEY: Jamie?
JAMIE BYERS: In the flesh, Langford old man. (Walking to him and taking a strand of his hair) Nice to see you've retained that natural unwashed kind of flavor. (Turning with her back still toward the viewer) And you... (Pointing at Frohike and pouting) I thought you said you'd love me forever?
FROHIKE: What makes you think I've changed my mind?
JAMIE: (Crossing her arms) Who's Scully and how long have you been bugging her place?
FROHIKE: (Sheepishly)You left for places unknown. (Shrugging) She was here *and* she is rather tasty.
JAMIE: Doesn't give you the time of day, huh?
LANGLEY: (Snorting) She wouldn't tell him it *was* day if her life depended on it. (Walking around her) So, why the new look?
JAMIE: Remember that wonderfully choice assignment I accepted in Beirut. (Seeing their nods) Well, one car bomb and four operations later, I can almost look at myself in the mirror without jumping. (Shrugging) The counseling bites but at least I'm alive and the red hair is fun.
BYERS: (Placing his arm around her shoulders) It almost looks natural. (Doubling over as she punches him in the stomach) What?
LANGLEY: (Wincing for his friend) Even I know that was a dumb comment.
JAMIE: (Rolling her eyes) Neither diplomacy or tact were his strong suits. (Sighing) But he's always been good in a pinch. Which brings me to why I'm here. (Addressing the guys as she leads her brother into another room) I hope you won't mind if I borrow my brother for a minute?
FROHIKE: No problemo. (Resuming his work) Keep him as long as you like.
As they enter the room, Byers directs Jamie to a seat with the p.o.v. still covering her back.
BYERS: (Sitting) Now, what is all of this about?
JAMIE: (Reaching into her bag and pulling out a large bundle of papers) I need you to keep these papers no questions asked.
BYERS: I realize this defeats the purpose of your last statement but for how long?
JAMIE: Just until I either come back for them or ... (Taking a deep breath) I want you to promise me that if something were to happen to me, you would get this information broadcast all over the world as fast as you could.
BYERS: (Shaken) No questions asked? (Seeing her nod) Well, ... I can't do that. (Standing) Do you realize what you're asking me? There is no way I can just allow you to walk in here and make a statement like that and not ask you at least why. (Shaking his head) You can't ask that of me.
JAMIE: (Taking another deep breath) You're right. (Also standing) A few months before "the change" I found myself investigating a group whose sole purpose was to keep the world's citizens in the dark concerning key issues. To try to gather more information, I performed a job for them. (Pausing) A few days later, an attempt was made on my life. (Shrugging) I was lucky; I survived with the extra bonus of getting a new face and look. Another co-worker wasn't as lucky and was killed. (Looking directly into his eyes) Once I was well enough to travel, I made my way here in hopes that you could buy me some insurance. (Pleadingly) You were all I had left and I felt that you wouldn't turn me away. (Crying) Was I wrong?
BYERS: (Taking her into his arms) Of course not. (Soothing her) You know I'll always be here for you; all you have to do is ask. (Holding her away) I just wish it wasn't a possibility of your life being on the line.
JAMIE: (Getting herself under control) I'm not too thrilled with that possibility either, but there is a chance. (Pausing) What I need from you is a promise that you'll keep these papers for as long as necessary without looking at them.
BYERS: (Nodding) And to distribute their contents if ... something should happen to you.
JAMIE: Yes. (Seeing his acquiescence and hugging him) Thank you.
BYERS: What are big brothers for? (Flustered) Well, we'd better get back to the guys before they think we've gone AWOL.
They return to the main room where Frohike is standing over Langley arguing.
FROHIKE: I'm telling you "Sliders" hasn't not been able to handle the heaviness associated with "Millennium" and anyone who thinks differently is as stupid as that ex-surfer creator!
LANGLEY: (Angrily) Watch what you say! Some of my best friends are ex-surfers.
BYERS: (Stepping between them) Gentlemen, gentlemen let's keep this discussion down to a low roar. We wouldn't want to disturb the neighbors.
FROHIKE: (Snorting) Yeah, as if they didn't have enough to complain about already.
JAMIE: (Shaking her head and chuckling) I cannot believe you guys actually debate sci-fi television. (Snickering) I bet your last dates were online and you still live with your mothers.
LANGLEY: (Affronted) I'll have you know, I got my own place a few weeks ago.
JAMIE: Is it connected or above the garage?
LANGLEY: (Sheepishly) Well, ... let's just say I do have to travel outside to get a home-cooked meal.
JAMIE: (Laughing) And on that note I think I should be on my way. (Hugging her brother) Thanks. (Moving to Langley and ruffling his hair) Give your mother my love. (Blowing a kiss to Frohike) When you get tired of this Sculdy, look me up. (Heading towards the door and stopping and turning back) If it wasn't attached, I'd lose my head ... (At their confused looks) I almost forgot my purse. (Looking around) Has anyone seen it?
FROHIKE: (Glancing around until he sees it) There it is.
Both Jamie and Frohike move to grab it, but instead, knock it to the floor. Ever the gentleman, Frohike helps her retrieve the fallen items but hesitates when he notices her open wallet. The ID is that of Katherine Weeg and as she moves to scoop it up, the point of view changes and it is clear she is the woman from before.
JAMIE/KATHERINE: (Taking the hand of her brother as he helps her up) Well, Superklutz strikes again. (Rearranging the items in her purse) You'd think by now I would have accomplished better hand-eye coordination. (Staring at Frohike who's still on the floor) Are you okay?
FROHIKE: (Standing and pretending like nothing happened) It would definitely take more than a little time on the floor to mess me up.
JAMIE/KATHERINE: Glad to hear it. (Turning back) Well, this time I'm actually gone. (To her brother) I'll call you later. (She leaves)
BYERS: It was good seeing her. (Moving to his desk) I just hope that whatever she's up to doesn't get her into too much trouble.
FROHIKE: (Thinking out loud) I'm with you there, Buddy.
8:30 am Friday Assistant Director Skinnerıs Office Washington, D.C.
Mulder and Scully are sitting in their usual seats discussing things with their extremely agitated boss.
SKINNER: Agent Mulder, am I to understand that you are trying to convince me your and Hunter Zachary's very existence is due to experimentation involving alien DNA?
MULDER: That's what it boils down to, sir.
SCULLY: Actually, sir, we have proof of foreign agents in both Agent Mulder's and Hunter's DNA, but to say it's extraterrestrial would be reckless and not within our bounds of understanding.
MULDER: (Irked) How can you say that! You saw the files and read the data, not to mention my father's letters. What more do you need?
SKINNER: (Glaring at Mulder) Agent Scully, these ... foreign agents, do you have any idea what they could be?
SCULLY: No, sir, I don't. I haven't been able to pinpoint their exact composition, but I believe that stems from the limited amounts I had to work with. (Sighing) We're lucky to have those samples considering all of the lab information gathered during their hospital stay has mysteriously vanished. If I hadnıt "borrowed" a few vials, we'd be starting from scratch. (Sarcastically) And, believe me, drawing blood from Mulder is a lot easier when *he's* unconscious and from Hunter when *she's* comatose.
SKINNER: With all due respect, Agent Scully, as many times as Agent Mulder has ended up in the hospital, why hasn't this mysterious agent shown up before?
SCULLY: (Sheepishly) Quite simply, sir, because we weren't looking for it. (Seeing his glare) I went back through the extensive medical files we have on him and it was there in every one. My only defense is we usually knew what we were fighting, so anything non-life threatening and seemingly natural, for want of a better word, was ignored. (Shaking her head) The only time it was noticed and commented on, after the retrovirus infection, we automatically assumed it was a waste-product.
MULDER: (Under his breath) That's not a nice way to think about me, Scully. (Seeing both of them glaring at him and trying to divert their attention) Tell him your theory on my and Hunter's recuperative powers.
SCULLY: (Clearing her throat) I do believe that this foreign agent does have a direct correlation to Mulder's almost unbelievable ability to survive all of the medical conditions he has as well as his amazing penchant for cutting down the necessary recuperation time after these incidents.
SKINNER: Please tell me you aren't serious?
SCULLY: I can't do that, sir. (Pausing) The best example I can offer you is this latest incident with the surgery. (Looking away) Remember when I told you and my mother that toward the end of the surgery Mulder appeared to be having seizures comparable to someone suffering a stroke. (Looking back) Since we couldn't find any evidence to support that prognosis, we looked at it as being motor function reactions. After he regained consciousness, we discovered that he had indeed suffered something resembling a stroke in that he lost his ability to speak and walk. (Nodding toward the A.D.) You were a witness that in less than a month, he was able to talk slowly but in complete sentences and walk with only a cane to support him. By all intents and purposes, it seems his brain literally absorbed the knowledge to perform these tasks; a near impossible feat for a year of re-training let alone a month. (Awed) The same pattern can be traced in Hunter's progress with the exception that her injuries extended into actual nerve damage which is understandably delaying her recovery. But, even with that, there is no way she should be functioning away from a hospital bed.
MULDER: Sounds like an excellent opportunity to study and develop a paper, Dr. Scully.
SKINNER: (Angrily) That's enough, Agent Mulder. (Seeking understanding) I would think you of all people would be more concerned with Agent Scully's findings.
MULDER: (Returning the anger) I am damned concerned, sir! (Rising) You can't understand what this is like for me. (Mussing his hair) I already feel like the kid and I were created for the purpose of being someone's private guinea pigs. (Glaring at Skinner) All of this talk and the possibility of more tests is only intensifying that feeling. (Quaking) I'm second guessing everything I think, wondering if any of this might have affected the way my life is and how it's going to affect Hunter. (Knocking the back of his head) Then there's all the mind stuff.
SKINNER: (Pinching the bridge of his nose) I'm not sure I'm ready to hear this, but ... (Shaking his head) There's more?
SCULLY: It would seem there might be an explanation for Agent Mulder's uncanny intuitive leaps toward solving cases. (Not quite sure what to make of this new information) Dr. Rosenthal-Antanaka believes that if Hunter's abilities can be traced to the ... foreign agents then it would be safe to assume Agent Mulder has the same gifts only to a lesser degree.
SKINNER: (Wearily) And what do you say to this, Agent Mulder?
MULDER: (Seriously) I know you're not going to believe this, but I have nothing to say concerning this matter. (At the AD's startled glance) If it were someone else, I could spout off any number of facts covering any number of areas, but, with me, I honestly can't think of anything to figure this out.
SCULLY: (Jumping to help him out) That's why Trini has offered to test to see if he has untapped mental skills.
SKINNER: How much time would she require to perform these tests and when would she like to begin?
MULDER: She believes it would only take a couple of intense days to know for sure and she recommends starting as soon as possible.
Skinner absorbs this information and begins shuffling papers around on his desk. He removes his glasses and rubs his eyes before opening his drawer and removing a form. He looks over the paper. It seems like a lifetime passes when in fact only a few minutes go by before he begins.
SKINNER: (Looking at both of them) Agents Mulder and Scully, it has come to my attention that we have not performed an executive review of your department in quite some time. I believe that now would be the perfect opportunity to do so. (Pausing) You have two weeks paid leave to get everything in order and ready for review. (Glaring) Any personal matters should be taken care of before you return. (Hard-nosed) Is that perfectly clear?
MULDER AND SCULLY: Yes, sir.
SKINNER: Fine. (Returning to his work) That will be all.
As the agents leave, Skinner's voice can be heard muttering, "I'm getting too old for this ... " right before the door closes on the last of the statement.
1:50 pm Friday Dr. Trini Rosenthal-Antanaka's office C.D.S.R.L.
Scully, Mulder, Keemo and Trini are sitting around a table in heavy discussion.
MULDER: I don't know about this, Trini. (Mussing his hair) This is even too an extreme a possibility for me.
KEEMO: Why, Brudda? You accept what Trini and Hunter can do, why don't you see yourself in this?
MULDER: Because it's just too out there. (Looking around the table) Straight facts. (Seeing all of them nod) I suppose I'm feeling less like I'm controlling my life. (Smirking) Last night, I even dreamed my whole life was nothing more than some writer's computer fantasy and everything was depending on what kind of mood she was in. (Agitated) This is just too much too soon.
TRINI: (Soothing him) I understand, Mul. (Taking his hand) You don't know how many times, I've heard that from my clients.
MULDER: (Jerking away) I'm not one of your clients!
TRINI: (Sighing as she takes another tack) What was the first thing you did after they turned Hunter over to you?
MULDER: (Confused) I brought her here.
TRINI: Why?
MULDER: I knew why Sevh and Sherron kept Hunter away from people and I felt that if I could get her the right kind of help, she'd be able to function here in D.C. I knew about your work and your reputation for helping people with special gifts, so I brought her to you.
TRINI: At any time, did you feel like you were being manipulated or made to bring her here?
MULDER: (Shaking his head) No. This was what was best for her.
TRINI: So, using that logic, wouldn't it be best for you too?
Everyone at the table holds their breath as Mulder rationalizes his way through all the information. As his face clears, a sense of relief can be seen.
KEEMO: Game, set, and match to the lovely and round Dr. Antanaka.
MULDER: (Shaking his head) So, what do I need to do?
TRINI: Well, first off, I need you to change into the jumpsuit provided by the Center. Then, I need you to go into the white room and relax until your next instructions.
MULDER: That's all. (Getting agitated) You aren't going to give me something to knock me out?
SCULLY: (Drawing his attention as she pats his hand) Trini assures me no drugs are used in these tests. (Pausing) You'll be relaxed naturally and able to pull away if needed.
TRINI: (Standing and moving to her desk) If at any time you feel a loss of control, all you have to do is tell your guide and he/she will help you back. (Moving to press a button) Just say the word ... (Watching as he nods and smiling at him) Good for you, Mul. (Pressing the button and speaking into the intercom) Peg, please come and escort Agent Mulder to our processing area. (Turning back) Once you're in the room, feel free to check it out until you're comfortable with your surroundings. (The door opens and a woman steps in) Once you're comfortable, try following some of the suggestions for relaxation printed on the ceiling.
MULDER: (Standing and walking toward the woman) On the ceiling? (Grinning devilishly as she shows him out) Couldn't you have found something more entertaining to put up there?
SCULLY: (Shaking her head) He is impossible.
TRINI: (Returning to her seat) And having known him for so long, I can tell you it's probably a permanent thing. (Thinking) Speaking of permanent things, he still hates to be put under?
SCULLY: I take it this is not a new development in his twisted psyche?
TRINI: (Shaking her head) No, he's had it for as long as I've known him. (Remembering) He had this horrific accident on the polo field: his horse hit a burrow hole and threw him and a couple of the guys couldn't stop in time to miss him. When we finally got him to the infirmary, they found he had a dislocated shoulder, a broken arm and leg and a nasty gash down his back. The poor intern nearly fainted when he refused to be anaesthesized; he had never set those type of injuries with only locals. We had to get the lead to perform the work; Mul flinching all the way and then the bloody man had the nerve to refuse the pain killers!
KEEMO: (To Scully) Have you noticed how they both slip into their British mannerisms and speech patterns when they discuss the old college days?
SCULLY: (Trying to control her laughter when Trini glares at them) He ... (Hiccupping) hates ... to be out of ... control.
TRINI: (Not amused) Well, he won't have to worry about that while he's here. (Thinking) My biggest concern is who I'm going to send in with him.
SCULLY: Does it really matter? I mean, that person is just going to hold up a few cards for Mulder to figure out.
TRINI: (Chuckling) That's not how we do things around here. (Watching Scully) What do you know about the latest forms of psi testing?
SCULLY: (Chagrined) Only what I've seen on t.v. (Quietly) Missy knew I really didn't believe, so she only told me surface things.
TRINI: (Acknowledging this) Our methods are a little more deep than the others. (Standing) Since paranormal studies have slowly been finding their way into college curriculums, a more thorough form of testing was required. With the acceptance of these abilities and activities came the need to root them in some type of scientific fact. Hence the move away from card tricks to more technological methods.
SCULLY: But, I've seen the white room and there's not any equipment in there.
TRINI: That kind of stuff comes later. (At Scully's confused look) My prelim method lets us know whether or not we'll even need to use the equipment. It weeds out those with no abilities pretty quickly. (Sighing) Unfortunately, my way requires a little help from an outside party with some familiarity with him.
SCULLY: Would I do?
TRINI: Do you have any latent psi abilities you haven't told anyone about? (Seeing her shake her head) My way requires someone with at least level two precognitive skills. (Pausing) I would do it, but (Patting her stomach) he'd find us in a New York minute.
SCULLY: What exactly is this procedure?
TRINI: (Trying to phrase it properly) The client is put into a type of waking sleep. In that state, he/she is led through a series of (Shrugging), for want of a better word, scenes where the client is required to find hidden psychic images. Depending on how many he/she finds, that's what level the client is designated.
SCULLY: (Skeptically) And you believe this works? (Remembering) What about the guide? You didn't mention him/her doing anything special so why does the person have to be precognitive?
TRINI: Because the guide is the first thing the client has to find. (At the other woman's surprised look) The guide has to "tune" him/herself to the client and join him/her on that plane as whatever image fits the scene. If the client finds the guide quickly, together, they can get farther in the time allotted. (Sighing) I could go in and not *appear* pregnant, but, if he's as keen an observer as we think he is, he can use the baby's rhythms to find me. And, that wouldn't benefit anyone.
SCULLY: (Ignoring the sound of someone coming in) You don't actually consider that as true scientific measuring? (Watching Trini's face) Trini, ... I know you've studied psi for years and are considered one of the world's foremost authorities on mental talents, but what you're talking about isn't even deemed worthy of bad sci-fi writing. There is no way on earth that could be considered an acceptable practice.
TRINI: (Bristling) May I remind you, *Dr. Scully*, you yourself recognized my knowledge and expertise in this area and the fact that I have been working to perfect my techniques for years. There is nothing you can tell me about science and/or the methods for which we base our existence and daily occurences on; I know. Need I also remind you, I too am a medical doctor with undergraduate and Master's degrees in psychology from Oxford as well as a secondary doctorate in Paranormal Studies. (At full steam) This is not by any means a fly-by-night, mickey-mouse establishment; we are backed by several psychological and medical boards as well as being accredited and duly supported by the U.S. government and the U.N. which is a helluva lot more than can be said about the precious X-Files. So, the next time you want to knock something you hardly know a damn thing about, I suggest you make sure you know what the hell you're dealing with. (Taking another deep breath) I'm going to go check to make sure everything's ready and see who's qualified to aid on this procedure. (Passing a quiet Hunter in the corner as she moves to leave the room) Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves.
SCULLY: (Releasing a breath) Well, I suppose she told me. (Standing and addressing Keemo) I don't think I've ever seen her that angry.
KEEMO: Most of the time she's pretty easy-going, but when someone questions the legitimacy of her work ... Well, let's just say you experienced her milder reaction. (Staring at Dana) Let's also say, I don't see the need to apologize for her reactions.
SCULLY: No apologies necessary. I understand and accept why she went on the defensive.
HUNTER: (Moving fully into the room) Now you see why I don't push Trini; Fox, yes, but never Trini.
SCULLY: (Finally noticing the child) I didn't know you were in here. (Frowning) Aren't you supposed to be causing people to jump through hoops or setting fire to your therapist or something?
HUNTER: (Wide-eyed) I thought I could help.
KEEMO: Ah, the innocence of babes. (Smiling at her) Wonderful thought, Baby, but I don't think Trini would appreciate you missing your sessions for this.
HUNTER: I'm only missing meditation and, believe me, though a bunch of techs sitting in a room chanting and humming is enough to put anyone in a coma-like state, I don't think it's in my best interests considering where I was a few months ago. (To the other woman) Are you okay, Dana?
SCULLY: I'm fine, Hunt. (Kneeling to her) Though I'm sure they'll appreciate your help, I'm not sure there's anything you can do.
TRINI: (Returning) More like what she would be able to do. (To Hunter) Your meditation sessions have been modified as per your doctor's recommendations, so they won't hurt you. (Taking a seat) But I do feel you need those sessions to give you someplace to go if outside circumstances get to be too much. Besides, I don't think you're ready to guide anyone just yet.
HUNTER: (Sounding older and wiser) If not me, then who? It doesn't take a psi genius to know you can't and I don't see anyone else lining up with my abilities or closeness to him. (Near pleading) Let me help him; I can do this.
TRINI: It's not that simple, Hunter. You aren't as comfortable with your talents as I like my guides to be. I doubt if it would take too much to lose you in this if your mind were to wander. (Sighing) Mul would kill me if he even thought I was considering this.
HUNTER: If you don't do this now, he won't give you the chance to try again, and you know it.
TRINI: (Rolling her eyes) And, boy, do I know it! (Looking to Scully for advice as well as offering a truce) How much trouble do you think I'll get in?
DANA: (Accepting both) No more than usual.
TRINI: Okay. (To Hunter) I want you to go to the white room and buzz for Peg to come out. Once she's out, let her know you're the guide and she'll set you up. OK? (Watching Hunter nod) Ground rules: Do not touch him or try to send who or what you are to him; don't try to influence the mental pictures at all; make sure you take on the characteristics of something that fits the place; do not lead him to the images - let him find them on his own; don't try to figure out why he created the scenes he did; finally, if he doesn't want you to go with him, then step away until he's ready for you. Is all of that clear? (Seeing her nod and kissing her on the forehead) Okay, Baby-Girl, you're set.
DANA: What about physical complications?
TRINI: We'll be monitoring them both for any distress. (Moving behind the little girl) Hunter, if at any time you feel unsettled, don't hesitate to come back.
HUNTER: I won't. (Reassuring them) I'm a big girl; I can take care of myself. And Fox, if I have too.
TRINI: Quit with the posturing and get in there before I change my mind. (She watches the child leave the room and turns back to the other woman) They'll do fine. (Pausing) I'm almost sure of it.
5:39 pm Friday Infirmary C.D.R.S.L.
Scully, Hunter and Keemo are waiting as Trini exits the examining room.
TRINI: Before any of you ask, he's fine. The cut wasn't deep; it just bled a lot. He'll be out in a minute.
SCULLY: (Taking a deep breath) Leave it to Mulder. (Shaking her head) He's the only person I know who could get injured in an injury-proof room.
TRINI: (Laughing) We probably should go easy on him. Technically, this wasn't his fault. I had been telling the maintenance crew to fix that couch spring before someone was hurt for a long time. (Cracking up) It was just his luck that out of the twenty-three people who've used that room, he was the only one to find it.
HUNTER: (Watching the adults laughing) I don't think this is funny. He was doing great until he cut himself. (Looking inward) Fox was terrified when everything started to change without him causing it. It was all I could do just to get him out of there.
TRINI: (Carefully lowering herself to the child's eye-level) I'm sorry, Hunter. You're right; it wasn't funny. In fact, it was pretty serious. (Reaching out to her) You did good helping him out. I'm proud of you.
HUNTER: Do you think he's going to be okay with ... everything?
TRINI: Hopefully. (Standing with Keemo's help) I don't see him associating what happened to the test. (Frowning) At least, I hope he doesn't.
MULDER: (Exiting the inner room) I don't. (Walking to the couch and sitting) The kid and I were doing great until I decided to use my body as a pin-cushion. (Looking up at Trini) What went wrong? I mean if I understand the test correctly, I should have been so into it, outside stimuli would have had no effect.
TRINI: I've been thinking about that. (Sitting beside him) You're susceptible to pain stimuli. (Pausing) I'm probably going to have to run some more tests to prove it, but I believe your gifts cease functioning when your body is subject to sudden, intense pain. And, being stabbed in the side by a wayward sofa spring would cause that kind of reaction.
MULDER: (Focusing on what she'd said) What kind of tests would you have to do to prove your theory? (Smiling, but wary) I told you a long time ago I wasn't into torture.
TRINI: Geez, Mul. I tie you up one time and you won't let me forget. (Sighing) I didn't hear you complaining too much when I ...
SCULLY: (Interrupting) Trini! (Widening her eyes to include Hunter) We have an audience.
TRINI: Oh yeah. (Embarrassed) Uhmm, Hunter. Why don't you go and catch up with your meditators? I'm sure they're wondering what happened to you.
HUNTER: (Sighing in frustration) Fine. I didn't want to play with you guys anymore anyway. (Turning to Mulder) I'm glad you're okay, Fox.
MULDER: (Kneeling beside her) Thanks for your help in there, Baby-Girl. (Kissing her forehead) I couldn't have done it without you.
KEEMO: Why don't I escort you back to the depths of boredom? (Seeing his wife glare) I mean back to your most helpful and enjoyable session. (Taking his leave with Hunter) I'll talk with you folks later.
SCULLY: So, did this test tell you anything? Other than Mulder does have a girly scream, that is.
TRINI: (Chuckling) A few things. (Smirking) But, I already knew about the girly scream. How else do you think I found out he enjoyed being tied up?
7:00 pm Friday Outside of Fox Mulder's Apartment Building
Katherine Weeg is sitting in a car parked across from Mulder's building. She's on the phone but keeps glancing up at one apartment in particular.
KATHERINE: (Speaking into the phone) I'm here now. (Listening) They've been back for about twenty-five minutes. The case worker showed up a few minutes ago. (Pausing) Yeah, I can't believe Old Spooks is going to try to adopt the kid either. It just doesn't seem like his style, but then, people do tend to do strange things when their backs are to the wall. (Listening as a smile crosses her face) Oh, Lover, that brings a few things to my mind too. I wish you were right here, right now. Nothing takes the edge off a good surveilance like a romp in the back. (Beat) What? (Chuckling) That's pushing it a little too far, don't ya think? I don't see how we could get to his bedroom in this new place. You are so bad. (Taking a breath) So, how many of our "friends" have you run across? (Beat) That many. I'm glad. Did you ignore them like a good boy? (Listening) I see. Well, that means you can come back here sooner than planned. We can begin working on Phase 2 early and have him discredited and on the run in no time. (Chuckling) You don't say? I knew you'd like the whole mask thing. It caters to your love of dressing up. (Pausing) You know I can't come to New York. I have my big appointment tomorrow. Can't you wait? (Sighing) Well, you're just going to have to. I'm not blowing this! I've waited long enough and I plan on seeing this whole thing through with or without you, Alex.
7:20 pm Friday Apartment 42 Arlington, Va
Sara and Hunter are sitting in the living room talking.
MULDER: (Walking into the room witha tray of drinks) Here we go. (Handing them their drinks) One coffee, black with three sugars for Ms. Duncan. One hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles for Hunter and iced tea for me. (Grabbing his drink) Can I get anything else for you ladies?
SARA: No, thank you. This should be enough. (Smiling at both of them) Hunter was just telling me about her treatments at the Center that you arranged. She believes they helped her a lot.
MULDER: I'm sure you've read the original report from the hospital after she was found. She was completely unresponsive until someone turned off the lights and then she went into hysterics. They had her under as heavy a sedation as they could give a child until I made it there with Dr. Rosenthal. Trini was able to assess her situation and have them ready for her at the Center before we arrived. (Tipping his head toward Hunter) Now, does that seem like the same child described in that report?
SARA: I suppose not. (Writing something in her notebook) I noticed the security measures you have. (Looking back at him) Aren't they a little much? You're raising a child, not a prisoner.
MULDER: (Taking a sip of tea) I suppose to some people it would seem I'm paranoid. (Ignoring Hunter's snort) But, I wonder if they would still have that opinion if they had seen her fighting for her life a few weeks ago. (Turning to Hunter) Why don't you go and put on your pajamas, Baby-Girl? It'll give you the chance to look over the stuff Trini assigned you.
HUNTER: (With her most beguiling look) Are you going to come tuck me in later? (Seeing his nod) Okay. (To the woman) Goodnight, Ms Duncan.
SARA: Good night, Hunter. (Watching the little girl maneuver herself towards her room) How much longer will she have to use the chair?
MULDER: The doctors are pretty optimistic that she'll be out of the chair in a few weeks. Her therapy is going pretty well. (Under his breath) When she's not setting fire to her therapist, that is.
SARA: (Picking up her cup) You know, you really did impress several of my superiors with what you did for her. I have to tell you that was one of the major reasons you were given the opportunity to petition for adoption. (Locking eyes with him) I feel that I should also tell you I don't hold your actions in quite so high a regard. (Taking a deep breath) To me, it seems like a disregard for your own safety. (Stopping him as he tries to interrupt) Hear me out, please. (Taking another deep breath) Before I would even consider placing Hunter with you, I'd have to feel certain you wouldn't needlessly endanger yourself. I realize you saved her life; that's not questioned here. I'm concerned with the way in which you did it. (Reading from a file) Your own Dr. Rosenthal wrote, "Hunter has a severe fear of losing loved ones which almost borders on phobic. I attribute this to the sudden and violent loss of her parents which I believe she was witness to due to her particular gifts. She is not comfortable with talk of death and loss." (Looking back at him) I don't think that child could handle anything happening to you.
MULDER: (Thinking) I realize that as well. But I also realize this is not a normal situation. (Explaining) By way of my particular job, I am called to investigate things that are not considered standard. There are people who don't want me doing my job and they aren't considerate of my having a child at home. (Focusing on the woman) I don't want to leave her any more than she wants me to leave.
SARA: Trite, sentimental phrases don't cut it, Agent Mulder! That child deserves a stable, secure life, not an adventure every moment. She has a right to a normal life.
MULDER: (Upset) I know what she deserves; maybe more than anyone else. But, I also know what she is and what that means to some people. Her life for those simple facts will never be normal, no matter how many of us want it to be. (Taking a deep breath) The only thing I can offer you, Ms. Duncan, is my promise that I'll do everything in my power to protect my little girl and keep her happy.
Sara sits for a moment thinking over what he says. She begins to say something, but the phone rings. Mulder hops up to get it.
MULDER: Excuse me, please. (Lifting the handset) Mulder. (Listening) Hi, Scully. ... yeah, Ms. Duncan's here. (Pausing) The night visit. (Nodding) Sure, we'd love to. What time should we meet you? (Pausing) Okay. Do we need to bring anything? (Grinning) Okay. I'll bring a few changes of clothes for the Squirt. (Chuckling) I don't know how a child in a wheelchair can get so dirty, either. (Listening) Yeah. All right. Tell your mom thanks and we'll see you tomorrow. Bye. (Back to Sara) Sorry about that. Agent Scully had forgotten to invite us to her mother's birthday bash this weekend. We're going to drive up there tomorrow and help them celebrate.
SARA: (Reading her notes) Mrs. Scully. (Finding the info) Oh, yes, Hunter calls her Gram. From my interviews, they appear rather close already. It's very strange.
MULDER: (Chuckling) Not really when you think about it. (Turning inward) That kid has a way of latching on to everyone she's around. She took to me like she'sd known me all of her life and that was our first meeting. It was almost the same way with my partner. Once they set up some guidelines, they're getting to the point where Hunter's almost as comfortable with her as she is with me. (Grinning) If you've met Mrs. Scully, you'll know she's a very caring woman who reaches out with a lot of love. As soon as Hunter awakened, Mrs. Scully was right there in the capacity of a grandmother and that's how she sees her.
SARA: I see. (Writing) I did notice that about Mrs. Scully. Hunter's a very lucky child. (Glancing up at him) What exactly is her relationship to your boss? I know she calls him DA, but I couldn't get anything from either one of them on why.
MULDER: Your guess is as good as mine. (Shaking his head) I think it's that latching on thing again. She needs to feel safe and loved and she decided that he would make another loyal recruit to her entourage. I was as surprised as anyone when she came up with that name. (At her curious look) She inverted his job title, A. D., and came up with DA. As far as I can tell, she considers him to be something like a grandfather.
SARA: And is that safe? Do you feel like he can be trusted?
MULDER: (Sobering) With my life. And, furthermore, Hunter's.
SARA: (Nodding) That's pretty much what he said in his letter about you.
MULDER: (Confused) What letter?
SARA: The letter he sent in support of your adopting Hunter. Even with what you had done in terms of the surgery, his letter went a long way in leaning the board to your side. (Watching him) You didn't know? I felt sure you had asked him and there wasn't an anonymous seal on the letter to prohibit me from telling you. (Concerned at his silence) I'm sorry. I would never have said anything if I had known. I'll look into it tomorrow ...
MULDER: That won't be necessary. (Taking a shaky breath) I knew someone had written, but I had no idea it was him. I guess I owe him one.
SARA: (Smiling a genuine smile) I guess you do. (Checking the file again) So, tomorrow you and Hunter and Dr. Rosenthal will be meeting with her new tutor, correct?
MULDER: Yes. Trini doesn't think she's ready for a classroom atmosphere just yet. This young woman comes very highly recommended and she's worked with special needs children before.
SARA: Well, let me know if you hire her and I'll set up a time when I can watch one of their sessions. (Closing her briefcase and standing) Thank you for an informative evening.
MULDER: (Walking her to the door) Thank you for allowing me a chance..
SARA: (Turning back to him) Remember our first meeting when I told you I would decide whether or not to keep you informed of my findings? (At his nod) Well, I've decided. (Pausing) You're doing quite well. (Leaving) I just might have to make another exception to my rules.
Mulder closes the door and thinks for a moment on what she said. He realizes what she meant and a huge smile lights up his face.
HUNTER: (From her room) Fox, what are you waiting for? I'm ready.
MULDER: I'm on my way Baby-Girl. Just standin' and thinkin'.
10:10 am Saturday Meeting Room C.D.S.R.L.
Mulder and Hunter are sitting at a table playing a game.
HUNTER: (Watching him) I think you're cheating.
MULDER: I don't cheat.
HUNTER: Yeah, and you don't snore either. (Looking around) What's taking them so long? I would have thought Trini would have found out everything about her by now.
MULDER: Forget about what's going on in there and concentrate on the game. (Rearranging some cards) Score.
HUNTER: (Turning back and glancing at the board) Pace. And, there's no way you score. (Watching him) So, why aren't you in there with them? Knowing how you are with protection issues, I would have thought you would have wanted in on the interview.
MULDER: I already interviewed her while you were in your early morning sessions. Her background was thoroughly checked and she has worked with other kids like you before. Trini's just doing her own version of weeding out and you, (Moving a gamepiece) my love, have just lost another game. Score.
HUNTER: No way! (Looking at the board) There is no way you could have done this; you had to have cheated!
MULDER: (Laughing to himself) You don't pay attention; you can't prove anything.
HUNTER: (Crossing her arms and pouting) You do realize this simple game will probably keep me in therapy for years. My poor little psyche will be so twisted, I'll grow up to rob banks or cheat little old ladies out of their life savings. And when I'm before the judge discussing his parentage really loud, I'll think back to this day and know that Fox Mulder brought me to this by cheating in a child's game.
MULDER: Oh, you're breaking my heart here. Tell it to Oprah. (Seeing her confused look) Sorry, I forgot. That's something we're going to have to work on: your introduction to daytime television and talk shows. You'll love it; trust me. And then, you'll really have something to tell all of the court-appointed shrinks at your hearings. "My Dad Led Me Down My Path of Destruction by Forcing Me to Watch Talk Shows," on the next Sally Jessy Raphael.
TRINI: (Entering the room) I thought we all agreed not to encourage her, Mul. (Holding the door for the other woman) We really don't need her to be any more dramatical than she is.
HUNTER: (Pouting) I'm not dramatical. (Seeing their looks) Well, I'm not.
TRINI: Uh huh. (Moving further into the room) I suppose it's too late to tell you to be on your best behaviour. (Smiling at the woman) I think I should warn you now; "trial by fire" has a totally different meaning with her.